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Air pollution causes at least 1,200 premature deaths a year in Europe among children and adolescents, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
As for adults, this pollution is the main environmental risk to the health of minors and reduces their life expectancy, according to this study covering some thirty countries on the continent, including the 27 EU Member States.
“Air pollution causes more than 1,200 premature deaths per year among under-18s in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life”writes the EEA in its report.
Nearly 240,000 premature deaths
“Despite progress over the past years, the level of several major air pollutants continues to remain above World Health Organization guidelines, particularly in central and eastern Europe. , as well as in Italy”underlines the organization dependent on the European Union.
Several European countries – including the United Kingdom or Ukraine – are not part of the study, suggesting that the continental balance sheet is bleaker.
According to another report published by the EEA in November, at least 238,000 people – of all ages – died prematurely in 2020 in Europe due to air pollution in the member countries of the agency (European Union, Turkey , Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein).
Children’s health, a priority
The study published on April 24 is the first from the AEE to focus specifically on those under the age of 18. Even if the share of children and adolescents impacted by air pollution is “relatively small” compared to the general population, dying so early “represents a loss of potential future as well as a significant burden of chronic disease both in childhood and later in life”underlines the AEE.
The agency recommends focusing on air quality around schools and nurseries, as well as sports facilities and public transport.
Its effects begin before birth, maternal exposure to air pollution “being linked to low birth weights and premature births”, recalls the environmental agency.
After birth, ambient pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma – which affects 9% of children and adolescents in Europe – or respiratory insufficiency and infections, the agency also points out.